Float retention arrangement for humidification chamber

Abstract

A float retention arrangement and related methods for a humidification chamber that includes at least one float that operates an inlet valve that controls a flow of water through a water inlet opening of the humidification chamber. A cover of the humidification chamber defines an interior space, at least one gas port and a float retention opening. A component forms at least a portion of a water supply conduit for supplying water from a water source to the water inlet opening. The component is insertable into the float retention opening and is positionable to contact and retain the at least one float in a non-use position. In some configurations, the component can be a water spike.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A circuit kit for a respiratory humidification system comprising:
 a humidifier chamber having a cover defining an interior space, a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, a water inlet opening, a seal element and a float retention opening; and 
 a component, 
 wherein the seal element is configured to stretch or move to accommodate insertion of the component through the float retention opening such that the component is positionable to engage and retain at least one float in a non-use position. 
 
     
     
       2. The circuit kit of  claim 1 , wherein the humidifier chamber comprises the at least one float, wherein the at least one float comprises a first float and a second float. 
     
     
       3. The circuit kit of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first float and the second float is configured to operate an inlet valve that is configured to control a flow of water through the water inlet opening. 
     
     
       4. The circuit kit of  claim 2 , wherein the component comprises an adapter for connecting the humidifier chamber to a water source. 
     
     
       5. The circuit kit of  claim 4 , wherein the adapter is a water spike. 
     
     
       6. The circuit kit of  claim 5 , wherein the seal element maintains a physical barrier between the water spike and an interior of the humidifier chamber. 
     
     
       7. The circuit kit of  claim 6 , wherein the seal element comprises a membrane or a valve. 
     
     
       8. The circuit kit of  claim 7 , wherein the seal element is self-sealing. 
     
     
       9. The circuit kit of  claim 6 , wherein the seal element comprises a stretchable membrane configured to stretch to accommodate insertion of the water spike into the float retention opening. 
     
     
       10. The circuit kit of  claim 9 , wherein the stretchable membrane comprises a reinforced portion configured to prevent the water spike from puncturing the stretchable membrane. 
     
     
       11. The circuit kit of  claim 5 , wherein the seal element permits the water spike to pass through the float retention opening when inserted and substantially seals the float retention opening when the water spike is withdrawn. 
     
     
       12. The circuit kit of  claim 11 , wherein, when the water spike is positioned in the float retention opening, the water spike does not obstruct at least one of the gas inlet port and the gas outlet port such that breathing tubes, adapters or other components can be coupled to the at least one of the gas inlet port and the gas outlet port with the water spike positioned in the float retention opening. 
     
     
       13. The circuit kit of  claim 5 , wherein a portion of the water spike is positionable to engage at least one of the first float or the second float. 
     
     
       14. The circuit kit of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first float and the second float comprises buoyant structure configured to rise and fall with a water level within the humidifier chamber. 
     
     
       15. The circuit kit of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first float and the second float is coupled to humidification chamber. 
     
     
       16. The circuit kit of  claim 15 , wherein the first float is coupled to the humidification chamber with a coupling arm configured to support movement about an axis for rotation of the first float. 
     
     
       17. The circuit kit of  claim 2 , wherein the first float is coupled to the water inlet opening of the humidifier chamber. 
     
     
       18. The circuit kit of  claim 2 , wherein the first float is configured to operate an inlet valve that controls a flow of water through the water inlet opening in use. 
     
     
       19. The circuit kit of  claim 1 , wherein the component forms at least a portion of a water supply conduit for supplying water from a water source to the water inlet opening. 
     
     
       20. The circuit kit of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit kit comprises an inspiratory breathing tube and a gas supply tube, wherein the circuit kit is preassembled with the inspiratory breathing tube coupled to the gas outlet port and the gas supply tube to the gas inlet port.